Valuing Marine Ecosystem Services in Europe (VALMER)

The VALMER project aims to quantify and communicate the value (economic, social and environmental) of marine and coastal ecosystem services. Its focus is on the Western Channel area and the waters of southwest England (Devon, Dorset and Cornwall).

The waters of South West England are under increasing pressure from a wide range of competing uses and interests; effective and informed management of this shared space is vital to the sustainable use of this valuable resource. We know that ecosystem services assessment has the potential to improve marine management and planning but, to date, there have been limited documented cases. Through VALMER, scientists will examine this and also provide policy makers with a clearer understanding of the values that can be placed on the marine environment and how these can be used to make more effective decisions.

Our scientists have a key role in the VALMER project, leading a work package which aims to assess and value marine ecosystems, using policy orientated approaches and focusing on three UK case study areas: Poole Harbour; Plymouth Sound – Fowey; and North Devon; and three French case study areas.